When living in a food cosmopolis like Singapore, finding a meal is no difficult feat. With a plethora of affordable food options at every turn, coupled with hectic lifestyles, eating out becomes a convenient (and often desirable) alternative. However, this convenience comes at a price.

All too often, temptingly sinful options abound, and even if you wish to eat healthier, it can be quite difficult to identify the “healthier” options from the myriad of choices in our food paradise. The result? An increased risk of health problems courtesy of a high-calorie diet and over-eating. A plate or two of char kway teow may not seem like much now, but multiply that over the years and the results won’t be as innocuous.

Thankfully for us, even if we continue to eat out, there is a way to discern which dishes are worthy of a spot at your table. In hopes of promoting a healthier lifestyle for Singaporeans, the Health Promotion Board (HPB) has been expanding its Healthier Dining Programme (HDP) to make healthier food alternatives more widespread and accessible.

If you think this is going to be another spiel about eating your greens and avoiding all indulgences, think again. Instead, consider this: what if we told you that you could have equally healthier food without compromising on taste?

Regardless of your taste preferences, with your favourite brands now offering delectable dishes, each at 500 calories or less – yes, you can enjoy laksa within this range too! – healthier options are becoming increasingly easy to get your hands on! A familiar sight for most, just keep an eye out for Healthier Dining Programme identifiers when you’re next perusing your food options. This way, not only are you treating your body (and taste buds) right, you are also retaking the reins of meal planning without giving up the convenience of dining out. A win-win solution!

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